By default, characters rarely truly feel like bite of starvation nipping at their toes. A character with 100 gold that spends it on adventuring gear is at some level, a lunatic. Characters should start out poor, with barely 2 coppers to rub together, one step from ruin. Why else would you go into that tomb?
Starting Poor
At character creation, character starting gold is determined with a simple 3d6 gp roll, instead of 3d6x10 gp.
To compensate, in addition to the adventuring proficiency, starting characters get four starting proficiencies, modified by age category and intelligence.
A character may not select the same proficiency more than once with the base proficiencies. Bonus proficiencies for intelligence or advanced age may be used to select a proficiency a second time, but no more than that for starting adventurers… someone that skilled in an alternative trade does not need this life.
Characters roll starting age as described in the ACKS rules. They may choose to “age up” their characters to gain additional general proficiencies, if they wish.
Youth: -1 proficiency
Adult: +0 proficiencies
Middle Aged: +1 proficiency
Old: +2 Proficiencies
Ancient: +3 Proficiencies
This is in addition to any stat penalties.
A character may spend some proficiencies on proficiencies which earn income. The character begins with additional starting funds equal to one week’s employment for one proficiency.
Arcane spellcasters who begin with no spellbook begin with no Arcane Repertoire. It is assumed to have been lost. They may add spells from any spellbooks they find to construct a repertoire.
Divine spellcasters with no holy symbol, similarly, are unable to cast divine spells or turn undead.
What do you think…?